Travel style is a major risk factor for diarrhoea in India: a prospective cohort study. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schindler, V.M.; Jaeger, V.K.; Held, L.; Hatz, C.; Bühler, S.
• Is Part Of: Clinical microbiology and infection. Volume 21:Number 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 676.e1
• Page End: 676.e4
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Food hygiene -- India -- travel -- travel style -- travellers' diarrhoea; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Diagnostic microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.03.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1198-743X

Abstract

Abstract: Although some studies suggested specific foods/beverages as risk factors for travellers' diarrhoea (TD), details of transmission remain unclear. We assessed the influence of travel style (luxury/middle-class versus backpacking) on TD risk. TD attack rates were compared in a prospective study among travellers to India at the University of Zurich's Travel Clinic. Information on consumption of foods/beverages was collected. Seventy-one luxury/middle-class travellers and 21 backpackers completed the study; overall 37% suffered from TD (62% backpackers, 30% luxury/middle-class travellers, OR 4.43, p 0.022). Travel style rather than the consumption of specific foods/beverages appears to be a risk factor for TD development.